The evolution of Fungisai

Bruce Ndlovu
For the past few months Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave has been cannon fodder for the internet with her antics proving ripe material for jokes, memes and other devices that have been used to ridicule her sudden change of image.

The gospel staraï¿½ï¿½s tenuous relationship with the internet reached boiling point this week after the Ras Fungai memes went viral, as people lampooned her for some of her picture poses and attempts to don dancehall-like outfits.

The reason for this sudden scrutiny into her career is that Fungisai has chosen a path that many would not have envisioned at the start of her career.

She insists that there was a perception and definition of gospel singer forced on her by fans and people eager to put her in a box.

For example, on the eve of her wedding in 2004, Fungisai made it clear that marriage would not distract her from her role as a gospel artiste while her husband also supported her statement saying she not only had a key role on stage but in church too.

aï¿½?I canaï¿½ï¿½t stop singing because gospel music is in my blood. Music means a lot to me, music is life,aï¿½? she said in an interview with The Standard.

Then soon to be husband Courage Mashavave confirmed he would be wedding Zvakavapano in October and that the two would continue respecting each otheraï¿½ï¿½s professions.

aï¿½?Oh sure, our wedding is taking place in October and arrangements are at an advanced stage.

aï¿½?I am wedding Fungisai, a musician-cum-preacher and I will not stop her from trotting around the country conducting some live gospel shows,aï¿½? he said.

Back then, it seems, the gospel musician tag was easy to embrace.

In all the years in the spotlight, the songbird never aggressively denied the gospel artiste tag that has now become a burden as she attempts to reinvent herself as a bona fide pop star with a gospel message in some of her songs.

Speaking to Star FM on Tuesday, Fungisai said she had no problem with being referred to as a dancehall artiste, while also adding that dancehall loving youth were her new audience.

aï¿½?I am a God word artiste who packages her messages differently and this time I am targeting the youths and hence the change in flair of my music.

aï¿½?To me gospel is good news. I have sung in many genres. I have done reggae, Chimurenga and collaborated with artistes in different genres.

aï¿½?I have taken up Zim dancehall because Iaï¿½ï¿½m now targeting the youths, maghetto youths edu.aï¿½?

Gospel fans have been treated to the gradual and radical transformation of Fungisai over the past year and the whole country is now watching, waiting with bated breath as they wonder whataï¿½ï¿½s next.